The foundations for the most exciting future are being built right here in Texas! Join us in celebrating our state’s robust manufacturing sector which drives innovation, job creation and economic growth. 

As the eighth-largest economy in the world, Texas is backed by a strong manufacturing base that contributes $332 billion to our gross domestic product (GDP), accounting for 11.4% of the state’s total economic output. 

“Made in Texas” is the world's most powerful brand. Texas has been the #1 exporter in the U.S.—a title held for the last 24 years and counting—connecting products made here with customers worldwide through extensive infrastructure and transportation networks via land, sea and air.

Long recognized as the manufacturing capital of the nation, Texas is not just producing today’s goods, we’re creating tomorrow’s technologies. The state’s manufacturing ecosystem serves as a launchpad for innovation, helping transform new ideas into advanced products that compete on a global scale.

Manufacturing supports jobs and high-paying careers for Texans. In 2025, the sector employed nearly 1 million people across more than 30,700 establishments statewide, with an average annual wage of $97,500. This ranks Texas second in the nation for total employment and total firms.

The impact extends well beyond the factory floor. The sector also creates a substantial multiplier effect, with each manufacturing job supporting approximately five additional jobs in surrounding communities, according to the Texas Association of Manufacturers.

A testament to the state’s incredibly diverse economy, Texas has supported extensive manufacturing activity across a variety of sectors: semiconductors and electronics; automotive, aerospace and defense; pharmaceuticals; petroleum and chemicall; food production and more.

Jacqueline Walker joined the Business Development team as a Senior International Business Representative, specializing in Europe. Jacqueline works to strengthen Texas’ international economic relationships and promote the state as a premier destination for business and investment. Prior, she served for more than two years as Assistant Secretary of State for International Affairs and Protocol under Secretary Jane Nelson, advising on international engagement, foreign relations and diplomatic protocol. Jacqueline brings experience in Texas government, with roots in public service as Policy Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor before later serving in the Office of the Speaker of the House. Previously spending much of her young adult life in Spain, Jacqueline is fluent in Spanish and is passionate about fostering relationships across cultures. She is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish. Connect with Jacqueline through our staff directory.

Jennifer Kolbe joined the Business Development team as a Senior Industry Recruitment Specialist. In her role, Jennifer assists companies interested in expanding and relocating to Texas by coordinating the site selection process and connecting businesses with the resources needed to be successful in the state. Jennifer’s prior experience includes working as a regional representative for a large electric cooperative, a special utility district and leading economic development corporations at the local level in the San Antonio region. She is a native Texan and a graduate of Texas Lutheran University. Her proudest accomplishment, shared with her husband, is raising their three children, who are now successful young adults. When not a work, Jennifer enjoys gardening, fishing and raising Labrador Retrievers. Connect with Jennifer through our staff directory.

David Zapata joined the Business Development team as a Senior International Business Representative, specializing in the Americas. Previously, he served as Vice President of International Affairs for the Texas Association of Business, where he advocated for policies that kept Texas a top destination for foreign investment and established relationships with key international business groups and foreign trade officials. He also formerly served as Assistant Secretary of State for Mexican & Border Affairs at the Office of the Texas Secretary of State. He holds a master’s degree in public administration and urban management from St. Mary’s University. David is excited to bring his experience navigating international economic affairs and cross-border challenges to the EDT team and work together to keep Texas the top gateway for global trade and business. Connect with David through our staff directory.

Hope McGehee joined the Business Development team as an Industry Research Specialist. She researches Texas industries and economic trends to support the state's economic development and marketing efforts. Before joining the agency, Hope was a marketing research analyst with the Alabama Department of Commerce, where she supported research and internal economic development initiatives across the state. A native of Alabama, she enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, and writing. Connect with Hope through our staff directory.